Digital image shifting

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for viewing a check image and selecting a check service to be applied to a check. Check services may include a pay/return decision. The check images may be presented in a carousel view without pop-up windows. The user may import pre-selected check services such as stop payments. Check images may be marked with a status indicator. The status indicator may correspond to a check service applied to the check or a reconciliation error associated with the check. A user may receive notifications of pending expiration of an applied check service. The user may select and apply a check service at any time during a clearing process of the check. User may search for checks and check images based on the check service applied to the check. Search results may include check images and may be transmitted to a requested location such as via e-mail.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Aspects of the invention relate to treasury management of expenditurespaid by check.

BACKGROUND

Although transactions are increasingly executed online and usingtransaction cards, checks continue to be used for executingtransactions. A check includes an order of a payer to a financialinstitution. The order directs the financial institution to pay anamount to a payee.

A financial institution that is subject to an order to pay the amount onbehalf of the payer may be a drawee bank. The payer orders the draweebank to pay the amount. The amount may be debited from an account of thepayer held at the drawee bank.

The payee may receive the check as payment for services or goodsprovided to the payer. The payee may receive the check directly from thepayer. The check may be issued by a bill-pay vendor. The bill-pay vendormay provide check issuing services to the payer. The bill-pay vendor mayreceive payment instructions from the payer. The payment instructionsmay direct the bill-pay vendor to generate one or more paper checks. Thebill-pay vendor may convey the paper check to the payee.

The payee may present the check for deposit at a depositary financialinstitution (hereinafter, “depositary bank”). The payee may request thatthat the amount recorded on the check be credited to an account of thepayee. The depositary bank may provide financial services to the payee.A service provided by the depositary bank may include processing of acheck issued by the payer.

Processing of a check may include receiving a check from the payee.Processing may include receiving a request from the payee to credit anaccount of the payee. The credit may correspond to an amount handwrittenby the payer on the check.

The depositary bank may receive the check and transmit a copy of thecheck to the drawee bank. The depositary bank may request that thedrawee bank transfer funds to the depositary bank. The funds maycorrespond to the amount indicated on the check. The funds may becredited to an account of the payee held at the depositary bank. A checkclearing process may begin with a deposit of a check by a payee andterminate with a transfer of funds from a drawee bank to a depositary.

The drawee bank may provide services to the payer. The services mayinclude check services. The check services may include fraud detectionservices. Check fraud may include a printing of a check that is notauthorized by the payer, the bill-pay vendor or the drawee bank. Checkfraud may include presenting a check for deposit without authorizationfrom the payer.

Check services may include presenting a deposited check to the payer forconfirmation. A digital image of the deposited check may be presented.The drawee bank may not process a check for payment to the payee unlessconfirmation is received from the payer. Check services may includestopping payment on a check or temporarily suspending a clearing processof the check. Check services may include, prior to debiting an accountof the payer, reconciling a deposited check with a ledger maintained onbehalf of the payer. Check services may include filtering depositedchecks for suspicious or out-of-pattern checks.

Various check services provided by the drawee bank may streamline aprocessing of checks and reduce incidence of check fraud. However, adrawee bank may not have access to all checks issued by a payer. Forexample, checks issued on behalf of the payer by a bill-pay vendor maynot be available to the drawee bank until the payee deposits the check.Without prior information relating to each check associated with apayer, a drawee bank may be unable to provide a full variety of checkservices to the payer.

Furthermore, a selection of one or more check services may depend on oneor more attributes of a check. For example, to determine whether toinitiate a “stop payment” on a check, a payer may wish to visuallyexamine one or more segments of the check. Upon visual inspection, asignature segment may be found to include a signature that does notcorrelate to a known signature of the payer. A visual inspection of thecheck may indicate that a numerical segment stating the amount does notcorrespond to a segment describing the amount in words. However, avisual inspection may be associated with time and labor costs.

It would be desirable to provide a treasury management system thatprovides check services available in conjunction with a display of oneor more check images. It would be desirable, to provide a display ofchecks and check services to a payer in a manner that allows a payer toefficiently view a plurality of checks and identify unauthorized checks.Therefore, it would be desirable to provide apparatus and methods fordigital check image shifting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative apparatus in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative process in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative arrangement in accordance with principlesof the invention;

FIG. 4 shows illustrative information in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B shows illustrative information in accordance withprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows illustrative information in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 shows illustrative information in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 shows illustrative information in accordance with principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 9 shows illustrative information in accordance with principles ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative process in accordance with principle ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Apparatus and methods for digital check image shifting are provided.Such shifting may involve shifting between images that relate to a fundstransfer from a payer to a payee.

Methods for transferring funds from a payer to a payee are provided. Themethods may include receiving a payment amount from the payer. Themethods may include issuing a paper check for the payment amount. Thecheck may be issued to the payee. In response to a deposit of the papercheck by the payee, the methods may include generating a digital imageof the paper check. The digital image may be generated by a depositarybank. The digital image may be generated by the drawee bank.

The methods may include generating an approval indicator. The approvalindicator may be positioned adjacent to the digital image. The approvalindicator may be embedded within the digital image. A close proximity ofthe approval indicator to the digital image may allow the payer to viewthe digital image while making an approval decision.

The approval indicator may allow a payer to approve the informationincluded in the digital image. Selection of the approval by the payermay correspond to an approval of the information. A drawee bank mayrequest approval from the payer before transferring the amount indicatedon a check to a payee. For example, a payer may instruct a drawee bankto obtain approval from the payer before paying a check for an amountabove a threshold amount. The payer may instruct the drawee bank toobtain approval from the payer before paying a check that includes anysuitable attribute specified by the payer. The drawee bank may implementfraud detection algorithms that include requiring the payer to approve acheck flagged by the drawee bank. The drawee bank may not clear aflagged check without receiving approval from the payer.

Approval by the payer of the digital image may include authorizing thedrawee bank to withdraw funds from an account of the payer. Approval ofthe digital image may include an agreement by the payer not to contestpayment of a check corresponding to the digital image. The approvalindicator may be positioned adjacent to the digital image when thedigital image is displayed to a payer. The payer may select the approvalindicator when viewing the digital image.

In response to a selection of the approval indicator, the methods mayinclude withdrawing funds corresponding to a payment amount indicated onthe check. The funds may be withdrawn from an account of the payer. Thefunds may be withdrawn from the account of the payer and transferred toa holding account at the drawee bank. The funds may be held in theholding account for a duration of a clearing process associated with thecheck. The payer may continue to earn interest on the funds held in theholding account. The funds may be transferred to an account of the payeeat the depositary bank. The payer may cease earning interest on thefunds when the funds are transferred to the depositary bank.

The methods may include generating a selectable disapproval indicator.The disapproval indicator may be positioned adjacent to the digitalimage. Positioning the disapproval indicator in close proximity to thedigital image may allow a payer to make a disapproval decision whileviewing the digital image.

The payer may select the disapproval indicator. Selecting thedisapproval indicator may correspond to payer rejecting a check.Rejecting the check may include placing a stop on the check or returningthe check. In response to a selection of the disapproval indicator, thedrawee bank may confirm receipt of the disapproval instructions from thepayer. In response to a selection of the disapproval indicator, themethods may include sequestering and/or maintaining funds correspondingto the payment amount of the check in the account of the payer.Selection of the disapproval indicator may correspond to placing a “stoppayment” on the check. Initiating a stop payment on a check maycorrespond to aborting the check clearing process. If a stop payment isinitiated, an account of the payee may not be credited in response to adeposit of the check.

The methods may include informing the payee, depositary bank or anysuitable party of the approval or disapproval decision regarding thecheck.

The methods may include, in response to selection of the disapprovalindicator, setting a time period for expiration of a sequestering and/ormaintaining of funds corresponding to the amount of the check. The timeperiod may be set by the payer, the drawee bank, government regulationsor any suitable party. For example, selection of the disapprovalindicator may correspond to placing a hold on the check. The hold maytemporarily suspend a clearing process and suspend a transfer of fundsassociated with the check corresponding to the digital image. The payermay wish to place a hold on a check if the payer has detected anirregularity in the digital image. The payer may wish to furtherinvestigate the irregularity before placing a stop payment on the checkor approving payment of the check. In some embodiments, the payer maywish to verify a quantity or quality of goods/services provided by thepayee before confirming payment of the amount indicated in the digitalimage.

A time period set for expiration of a check service may be a first timeperiod. When the time period is a first time period, the methods mayinclude transmitting a notification to the payer prior to expiration ofthe first time period. The notification may remind the payer of apending expiration of a check service such as a hold or stop payment.The notification may set a second time period for expiration of thecheck service. After expiration of the second time period, the draweebank may pay the amount indicated on the check. After expiration of thesecond time period, the drawee bank may place a permanent stop paymenton the check. The payer may instruct the drawee bank to take anysuitable action or apply any suitable check service in response toexpiration of a time period. The drawee bank may implement a set ofdefault actions that will be taken after expiration of a time period.Illustrative check services are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Illustrative check services. Illustrative Check Services Holdpayment Stop/reject payment Approve payment Reconciliation Contact payeefor signature verification Return of funds transferred to payee

A paper check may be one of a plurality of paper checks. Each of theplurality of paper checks may be issued by a bill-pay vendor on behalfof a payer. Each of the plurality of paper checks may be issued directlyby the payer. Each paper check, whether issued by the bill-pay vendor ordirectly by the payer, may be associated with a digital image. Thedigital image may be generated when the paper check is presented fordeposit. The digital image may be one of a plurality of digital images.

When the paper check is a first paper check and the digital image is afirst digital image, the methods may include displaying the firstdigital image to the payer in a first position and positioning a seconddigital image of a second paper check in a second position. The firstposition may correspond to an optimal viewing angle. In someembodiments, check services available for a particular check may only bedisplayed when the image corresponding to the check is in the firstposition. Upon receipt of a payer instruction, the methods may includeshifting the second digital image into the first position.

The methods may include positioning a third digital image in the secondposition and upon receipt of a payer instruction, shifting the thirdimage into the first position, skipping the second position. A digitalimage in any position may be shifting into the first position. Theshifting may occur about an axis. The shifting may occurcounterclockwise about the axis. A position about the axis may bedefined by an angular distance from a reference position. The referenceposition may be an optimal viewing position. The shifting may occurclockwise about the axis. The shifting may occur from right to leftacross a screen. The shifting may occur from left to right across ascreen.

Shifting the check images may provide an efficient method for presentinga plurality of check images to a viewer. Each check image may bepresented together with check services that may be applied. A viewer mayselect one or more of the available check services while viewing animage.

The shifting of digitals images may allow a payer to “scroll” through aplurality of digital check images in an efficient manner. The shiftingmay provide a “carousel view” of digital check images to the payer. Eachdisplay of a digital image may include check services available withrespect to the displayed digital image. Shifting of the digital imagesmay allow a payer to make approval/disapproval decisions or apply anyother check services to the displayed digital images in an efficientmanner. In certain embodiments, the carousel may continue to beaccessible for viewing checks although an ability of the payer to selecta check service has been disabled.

When the paper check is one of a plurality of paper checks and thedigital image is one of a plurality of digital images, the methods mayinclude displaying each digital image to the payer in a carousel view.The carousel view may allow a viewer to view images by scrolling right,left, up, down, diagonally, in 3-D space or in any suitable direction.Each digital image included in the carousel view may include one or morecheck services available for the check corresponding to each image. Eachdigital image may be displayed in the carousel view in response toreceiving an instruction from the payer. Each of the plurality ofdigital images may correspond to one of a plurality of paper checksissued by the bill-pay vendor.

In certain embodiments, preferably one or more checks in the carouselmay be skipped by a viewer, thereby allowing the payer to view thechecks in the carousel in any desired order.

The methods may include marking a digital image in response to selectionof the approval indicator. The methods may include displaying themarking when the digital image is in the first position.

For example, in response to a payer selection of the approval indicator,a watermark may be applied to a displayed digital image. The watermarkmay indicate that the payer has approved payment of the checkcorresponding to the image. The watermark may be visible duringsubsequent viewing of the digital image.

The methods may include marking a digital image in response to selectionof the disapproval indicator. For example, in response to a payerselection of the disapproval indicator, a watermark may be applied to adisplayed digital image. The watermark may indicate that the payer hasrejected payment of the check corresponding to the image. The rejectionmay correspond to placing a stop, a hold or returning the checkcorresponding to the digital image. The watermark may be visible duringsubsequent viewing of the digital image.

The methods may include applying a filter to check images. The filtermay allow a viewer to view images that include a watermark correspondingto a check service. The filter may allow a viewer to view onlywatermarked images.

The methods may include, in response to a selection of the approvalindicator, crediting an account of the payer interest that accrues onthe funds corresponding to the payment amount until the payee receivesthe funds. In some embodiments, after selection of the approvalindicator, the payer may retain control over funds earmarked for paymentof the check until the funds are withdrawn from the account of thepayer. In some embodiments, after selection of the approval indicator,the payer may be unable to access funds earmarked for payment of thecheck. Following selection of the approval indicator, a drawee bank maytransfer funds earmarked for payment of the check to a holding account.The payer may continue to earn interest on the funds held in the holdingaccount.

The methods may include receiving an import file. The import file may becreated by the payer. The import file may be received from the payer.The import file may be received from the payer prior to a deposit of acheck by the payee. The import file may include an identifier. Theidentifier may correspond to a check issued to the payee on behalf ofthe payer. The import file may include a check service corresponding tothe identifier. For each of a plurality of digital images, the methodsmay include determining if the identifier in the import file correspondsto one of the plurality of digital images. Each of the plurality ofdigital images may correspond to a check deposited by a payee. Themethods may include marking the digital image that corresponds to theidentifier based on the check service in the import file correspondingto the identifier.

A check service may include any suitable check service such as approvinga payment, placing hold/stop on a payment or returning a payment. Basedon contents of the import file, a payer may submit a batch of checkservices that are to be applied to a plurality of issued checks. Anapplication of the check service corresponding to a check may beindicated in a watermark applied to a digital check image when viewed bythe payer.

A check service may include execution of a series of conditional steps.For example, if a payment amount of a deposited check is less than athreshold amount, payment of the check may be approved unless the checktriggers a reconciliation error. A reconciliation error may be triggeredif a ledger maintained by a payer does not include an entrycorresponding to the deposited check. In response to detection of thereconciliation error, a hold may be placed on the payment amount. Thehold may expire after a time period.

The import file may include a series of rules applied by the drawee bankafter a default rule has been applied. The issue file may be createdbased on criteria provided by the payer. For example, if a checkreceived by the drawee bank includes an amount above a threshold amount,the payer may instruct the drawee bank to place a hold on the check andpresent the check to the payer for further consideration.

In certain embodiments, at a time the reconciliation error is detected,the payment amount may have already been transferred to the payee. Inresponse to detection of the reconciliation error, the payer may electto return the check and recover the amount transferred to the payee.

If the payer does not take further action prior to expiration of thetime period, the drawee bank may be authorized to debit an account ofthe payer for the payment amount. In certain embodiments, if the payerdoes not take further action prior to expiration of the time period, thepayer may be unable to recover funds transferred to the payee.

In certain embodiments, the time period in which the payer may recoverthe funds may be divided into a plurality of time periods. Each of thetime periods may be associated with a different operational statusindicator. Each of the different operational status indicators may beassociated with a different color. For example, during a first timeperiod, the color of the operational status indicator may be green,which corresponds to a period in which the payer may be provided thegreatest amount of time in which to make a decision regarding applying acheck service, such as returning the check. During a second time period,the color of the operational status indicator may be yellow, whichcorresponds to a period in which the payer may be provided with someamount of time, less than the first time period, in which to apply acheck service. The yellow operational status indicator may also indicatethat, at the termination of a present time period, the operationalstatus indicator will turn red, indicating that a payer can no longerapply a check service to the selected check.

Apparatus may include a treasury management system. The treasurymanagement system may include a computer system. The computer system mayinclude a screen, a processor and one or more non-transitory computerreadable media. The non-transitory computer readable media may storeinstructions that, when executed by the processor, configure thecomputer to perform one or more actions and/or methods.

The actions the computer may be configured to perform may includegenerating a check image based on a paper check. The computer may beconfigured to receive a check image generated based on a paper check.The computer may decompose the check image into a plurality of fields orsegments. The computer may apply a vetting routine to the plurality offields. The vetting routine may compare contents of the one or morefields to payment information. The payment information may be receivedby a drawee bank prior to generation of the check image. The paymentinformation may be included in an import file or payer ledger. Based onapplying a vetting routine to the plurality of fields, the computer maymark the check image as an exception. The mark may be a watermarkapplied to the image.

The computer may be configured to display, to a payer, a check image, amark associated with the check image and one or more check servicesassociated with the check image. The one or more check services mayinclude an approval indicator, a disapproval indicator or any suitablecheck service. Available check services may be embedded in the checkimage or displayed adjacent to the image.

In response to a selection of the approval indicator, the computer maybe configured to withdraw funds corresponding to the payment amountindicated in the check image. The funds may be withdrawn from an accountof the payer. The account of the payer may be held at the drawee bank.

In response to a selection of the disapproval indicator, the computermay be configured to transmit a non-payment notice to a payee. Thenon-payment notice may inform the payee that a check deposited forpayment has been rejected by the payer.

The check image may be one of a plurality of check images. The computermay be configured to decompose each check image into a plurality offields or segments. Based on applying the vetting routine to theplurality of fields, the computer may mark a subset of the plurality ofcheck images as exceptions. The computer may detect an exception ifcontents of one or more of the plurality of fields do not correspond toa ledger entry. The ledger may include information received from anysuitable entity that issues checks on behalf of a payer. The informationmay be received from a bill-pay vendor, a payee, a payer, a drawee bank,a depositary bank or other suitable source.

The check images marked as exceptions may form a subset of check imagesreceived by a drawee bank. The computer may embed an approval indicatorin each member of the subset of exceptions. The computer may embed adisapproval indicator in each member of the subset. The computer mayembed an indicator corresponding to any suitable check service. Aselection of the embedded check service may instruct the drawee bank toapply the selected check service when processing the check correspondingto the image.

The computer may display to a payer a first member of the subset ofexceptions in a first position. When an image corresponding to the firstmember of the subset is in the first position, the payer may be promptedto select a check service to apply to the image. In response to aselection of the check service, such as selection of an approvalindicator or a disapproval indicator, the computer may be configured toshift the first member of the subset into a second position. The secondposition may correspond to an angular offset from an axis. The axis maybe equidistant from the first position and the second position.

The computer may be configured to display to the payer a second memberof the subset of exceptions in the first position. When an imagecorresponding to the second member of the subset is displayed in thefirst position, the payer may select one or more check services to beapplied to the second member. Positioning a check image in the firstposition may correspond to prompting a payer to select a check serviceto be applied to the displayed check image.

The first position and the second position may form a portion of acarousel view of the first check image and the second check image. Thecarousel view may be characterized by each member of the subset beingdisplayed in a position that appears to be angularly offset from anaxis. Each member of the subset may be displayed in a positionequidistant from the axis. The carousel view may provide a contextuallayout for scrolling among members of the subset. When viewing checkimages in the carousel view, a payer may be shown images preceding orfollowing a check image in the first position. When viewing check imagesin the carousel view, a payer may be shown only an image in the firstposition.

The computer may be configured to reduce a number of members in thesubset in response to a selection, by the payer, of a check service tobe applied to the member. For example, a payer may select an approvalindicator or disapproval indicator displayed alongside a check image inthe first position. For example, if the payer selects the disapprovalindicator, the member may be removed from the subset of exceptions. Theremoved member may be added to a subset of check images to be processedin accordance with a check service selected by the payer.

The treasury system may provide filtering options that allow a user,such as a payer, to create a subset of check images received by a draweebank based on criteria identified by the payer. For example, the payermay instruct the treasury system to create a subset of all check imagesthat have been approved by the payer during a specified time period suchas a week. In response to a request of the payer, the treasury systemmay display the subset created by the payer in a carousel view. Eachmember of the subset may include a watermark showing a status indicatorassociated with the check.

In response to a selection of the approval indicator, the computersystem may be configured to periodically update a payer of a pendingstatus of a check payment. For example, the treasury system may transmita notice to the payer that includes an estimate of how much time willelapse before funds are withdrawn for payment of the check. The statusmay include any suitable status.

In some embodiments, the treasury system may transmit a notification toany suitable party. For example, if the payer initiates a stop paymenton a check, a notice may be transmitted to the depositary bank and/orthe payee. The notice may inform the depositary bank and/or payee thatthe payer has stopped payment on the check.

Apparatus for a treasury management system are provided. The treasurymanagement system may include a computer system. The computer system mayinclude a display, a processor, and one or more non-transitory computerreadable media. The non-transitory computer readable media may storeinstructions that, when executed by the processor, configure thecomputer to perform one or more actions.

The computer may be configured to generate a check image based on apaper check. The computer may be configured to extract a plurality offields or segments from the check image. The computer may be configuredto generate an issue file. The issue file may include the plurality offields or segments extracted from the check image. The issue file mayinclude a plurality of entries. Each entry may correspond to a check.Each entry may include one or more of the plurality of fields extractedfrom the check image. For example, a check may include a check numberthat identifies the check. The issue file may include the check number.

The issue file may include a status corresponding to each entry. Thestatus may correspond to one or more pre-selected check services to beapplied to the entry. The check services may be applied to the entry bythe drawee bank. The status indicator may indicate a denial or anapproval of a payment of a deposited check corresponding to the entry inthe issue file.

The issue file may be generated based on payment information availableto a drawee bank. The payment information may include one or more ledgerentries corresponding to checks issued by the payer. The ledger entriesmay include checks issued on behalf of the payer. The checks may beissued by a bill-pay vendor. The ledger entries may include checks thathave not yet been deposited by a payee. The ledger entries may includechecks that have been deposited by a payee.

The issue file may be generated based on input received from a payer.Each entry in the issue file may be presented to the payer adjacent tocheck services available for the displayed entry. Based on a viewing ofthe entry, the payer may select one or more check services to be appliedto a check corresponding to the entry. The check services may be appliedby a drawee bank after the drawee bank receives notice that a payee hasdeposited a check corresponding to the entry.

The computer may be configured to filter check images based on contentsof the issue file. For example, a payer may issue checks of differingvalues. The payer may not wish to be burdened with affirmativelyselecting, for each issued check, a check service to be applied. Thepayer may set up a series of rules to be applied to incoming checksreceived by the drawee bank. The rules may be included in an import filetransmitted to the drawee bank.

The series of rules may include a default rule. The payer may define thedefault rule. The treasury management system may define the defaultrule. An exemplary default rule may include an instruction to pay eachcheck deposited by payee if the check includes a payment amount that isless than a threshold amount. The default rule may be defined based onone or more of the plurality of fields extracted from an image of adeposited check.

Based on the plurality of fields of a check image, the drawee bank mayidentify a check image that includes a payment amount greater than thethreshold amount. The drawee bank may generate an issue file that mayinclude an identifier of the check and a status corresponding to theidentifier. The status may correspond to a “hold” indicating that thedrawee bank has placed a hold on the check. The check will not be paidby the drawee bank unless the payer authorizes the payment amount. Thepayer may authorize the payment amount in response to viewing an imageof the check. The image may include additional check services that maybe applied to the check.

A check image may correspond to one of the plurality of identifiersincluded in an issue file. For each check image that corresponds to anidentifier included in the issue file, the computer may be configured topresent, along with the check image, check services that may be selectedby a viewer of the image. The check image may be displayed with a markcorresponding to the status indicator. For example, if a default rulehas applied a hold to the check, a watermark with the word “hold” may beapplied to the check image.

A plurality of fields or segments may be extracted from a check image.The computer may be configured to transmit a notification to the payee.The notification may include a status indicator corresponding to awatermark visible on a check image. For example, the treasury system maybe configured to notify a payee if the payer has imposed a hold, stop orreturn on a check deposited by the payee.

A status indicator included in the issue file may correspond to anysuitable check service applied to a check. For example, the statusindicator may correspond to an approval of a payment amount on adeposited check.

The computer may be configured to embed in a check image an approvalindicator and/or a disapproval indicator. The check image may bepresented to a payer using the treasury system. A selection by the payerof the approval indicator or the disapproval indicator may update astatus indicator associated with the check image.

For example, a payer-set default rule may instruct a drawee bank to payall checks that include a payment amount less than a threshold amount.However, the payer may be involved in an ongoing dispute with a payeeand may wish to place all checks issued to the payee on hold until thepayer reviews the check. The payee may be included in an entry of theissue file. Prior to review by the payer, a status indicator associatedwith each entry in the issue file that includes the payee may correspondto a “hold.”

Each check image that includes the payee may be presented to the payerfor review. Each check image presented to the payer may include checkservices available to the payer. The check services may includeapproving payment of the check, placing a stop on the check or if thecheck has been paid, returning the check. A selection by the payer of anavailable check service may override a current status indicatorassociated with the check.

A check image may be one of a plurality of check images. The computermay be configured to identify a subset of the plurality of check images.The subset may be defined by rules included in the import file. Thesubset may include each check image that includes a value or specifiedcontent in one or more of the plurality of fields extracted from thecheck image. The computer may be configured to present the subset andavailable check services to the payer using a carousel view. Presentingthe subset to the payer using a carousel view may allow the payer toquickly view the subset and decide which check service should be appliedto each member of the subset.

Apparatus for a treasury management system are provided. The treasurymanagement system may include a computer system. The computer system mayinclude a screen, a processor and one or more non-transitory computerreadable media. The non-transitory computer readable media may storeinstructions, that when executed by the processor, configure thecomputer to perform one or more actions. The instructions may configurethe computer to perform a reconciliation process.

The instructions may configure the computer to receive a check image.The check image may be generated based on a deposited paper check. Thepaper check may be deposited by a payee. The payee may have received thepaper check from a bill-pay vendor or directly from a payer.

The computer may be configured to extract a first plurality of fields orsegments from the check image. Illustrative fields are show above belowin Table 2.

TABLE 2 Illustrative check fields or segments Illustrative check fieldsCheck number Check number Customer name Customer address 1 Customeraddress 2 Routing number Account number Payee Payee endorsement PayeeDate Amount Dollars Comment Signature Bar Code

The computer may be configured to identify, based on the first pluralityof data segments: a payer, a payment amount and a payee. In someembodiments, the check may have not yet been paid and a clearing processmay be in progress. If the check has not yet been paid, the computer maybe configured to suspend the clearing process associated with the checkimage.

In some embodiments, the check may have already been paid. If the checkhas been paid, the computer may be configured to attempt to reconcileone or more of the plurality of data segments with a list of paymentsauthorized by the payer.

The computer may be configured to compare the plurality of data segmentsto content of a ledger entry. The content of the ledger entry mayinclude payment information. The payment information may be included ona check issued on behalf of a payer. The payment information may bereceived from a bill-pay vendor or directly from the payee. The ledgermay be maintained by a financial institution on behalf of a payer. Thefinancial institution may be a drawee bank.

The comparing may determine a variance between one or more of theplurality of data segments extracted from a check image and contents ofthe ledger entry. A threshold variance may be set such that there may beno difference between one or more of the first plurality of datasegments and contents of the ledger entry.

A variance may be a difference in “closeness” between a segment of acheck and a ledger entry. Closeness may be a quantitative measure of thesimilarity between a segment of a check and content of a ledger entrybased on the similarity of the contents of the check segment and thecontent of the ledger entry.

A closeness between contents of two or more segments may be representedas a vector of closeness between contents of the check segment andledger entry. For example, content of a segment may include a string ofalphanumeric characters. A closeness of segment B to ledger entry A maybe scored, for example, based on the following illustrative equation:

C _({tilde over (B)}-Ã)=Σ_(i=1) ^(I)min(|B _(i) −A_(j,∀jε[1,I])|^(2p))  Eqn. 1

The distance min|B_(i)−A_(j,∀jε[1,I])|² is a minimum distance between acharacter of B and any of the J characters of A. p is a multiplier thatcan be given any appropriate value. p may be given a large value tointensify the distribution of distances to reduce the effect ofnon-matching strings. The distance may be calculated, for example, as aDamerau-Levenshtein distance.

The content of a segment may include alphanumeric characters. Thealphanumeric characters may be represented by ASCII characters, encodedASCII characters, or any other form of character or code, whetherbinary, hexadecimal or any other encoding scheme.

If a result of the comparing indicates that the ledger entry differs bya first threshold variance from one or more of the first plurality ofdata segments, the computer may be configured to resume the clearingprocess associated with the check image. Resumption of the clearingprocess may include processing the check for payment to the payee.

A ledger entry may differ by a second threshold variance from the firstplurality of data segments. The second difference may be greater thanthe first threshold difference.

If the ledger entry differs by a second threshold variance from thefirst plurality of data segments the computer may be configured todisplay to the payer a payment indicator adjacent to the check image. Inresponse to selection by the payer of the payment indicator, thecomputer may be configured to abort the clearing process. Aborting theclearing process may correspond to placing a stop on the checkcorresponding to the check image or returning the check corresponding tothe check image.

The second threshold difference may correspond to one or more of theplurality of segments extracted from the check image being absent fromthe ledger entry. If the one or more of the plurality of segmentsextracted from a check image is not included in the ledger entry, thecheck associated with the segments may represent an unauthorized checkor a potentially fraudulent check. The check may be flagged as anexception. The exception may correspond to a reconciliation error.

If a result of the comparing indicates that the ledger entry differs bya second threshold variance from the one or more of the first pluralityof data segments, the computer may be configured to classify the checkimage as a payment exception. In some embodiments, if the check has beenpaid, and a result of the comparing indicates that the ledger entry isnot identical to one or more of the first plurality of data segments,the computer may be configured to classify the check image as a paymentexception.

Check images classified as exceptions may be displayed to a payer. Apayment exception may correspond to a non-reconciled check. The displaymay include the check image corresponding to the payment exception. Thedisplay may include an approval indicator. The approval indicator may beembedded in the check image. The approval indicator may be displayedadjacent to the check image.

In response to a selection by the payer of the approval indicator, thecomputer may be configured to resume the clearing process. Selecting theapproval indicator may correspond to providing consent to a drawee bankto transfer funds corresponding to a payment amount from the payer tothe payee.

In response to a selection by the payer of the approval indicator, thecomputer may be configured to resume the reconciliation process.Selecting the approval indicator may correspond to providing consent toa drawee bank to adjust a ledger entry of the payer.

Upon receiving the selection of the approval indicator, the computer maybe configured to adjust the ledger entry. The ledger entry may beadjusted to show that the payer has approved of a payment amountassociated with a check. The approval may correspond to an override of areconciliation error.

The ledger entry may be adjusted to show that a clearing process of thecheck has been suspended. The clearing process may remain suspendeduntil further action is taken by the payer. The clearing process mayremain suspended for a period of time. After expiration of the timeperiod, a default check service may be applied. The payer may benotified prior to expiration of the time period. The notification mayinclude time remaining until expiration of the time period.

Following an adjustment of the ledger entry the computer may beconfigured to transmit a status indicator to the payer. The statusindicator may include one or more data segments associated with apayment exception. The status indicator may include an expiration timeassociated with a stop payment indicator, approval indicator, holdindicator or any suitable check service. The status indicator mayinclude an option to extend the expiration time associated with acurrent status of a check. The computer may be configured to generate adisplay of check images based on the status indicator of each checkimage.

In some embodiments, in response to selection by the payer of adisapproval payment indicator, the computer may be configured toinitiate a return of funds previously transferred to a payee.

In response to the selection by the payer of a check service, thecomputer may be configured to wait for expiration of a time period. Insome embodiments, the check service may only be selected during the timeperiod. The time period may be any suitable time period such as an hour,a day, a week, a month or a year. After expiration of the time period,the computer may be configured to resume a clearing process orreconciliation process.

Selection of a check service may resume of the clearing process orreconciliation process. A resumption of the clearing process may includea process for withdrawing funds from an account of the payer andtransferring the funds to an account of the payee. A resumption of thereconciliation process may include reconciling another check.

In response to a selection of a check service to be applied to a check,the computer may be configured to override a reconciliation error.Overriding the reconciliation error may include resuming a clearingprocess of the check. The reconciliation error may correspond toreceiving a check image that includes payment information not recordedin the ledger. In response to the selection of a check service, thecomputer may be configured to transmit a status indicator to the payee.The status indicator may correspond to a clearing process status. Theclearing process status may inform the payee how much time remainsbefore funds may be withdrawn from an account of the payer. The clearingprocess status may inform the payee how much time remains before fundsmay be credited to an account of the payee.

The computer may be configured to identify a check service applicable toa check based on the plurality of fields extracted from the check imagecorresponding to the check. The computer may be configured to identifyan applicable check service based on: the plurality of fields, a priorcheck service applied to the check and/or an expiration time associatedwith the prior check service.

The computer may be configured to determine an available check service.The determination may be based on information in a plurality of checksegments. The computer may be configured to determine an available checkservice based on a default check service applied to the check. Forexample, a payer may only wish to stop checks above a threshold amount.If a payment amount extracted from a check image includes an amount lessthan the threshold amount, the check image may not be associated with astop payment indicator. As a further example, if a default check serviceapplied to an image is a suspension of the clearing process, the checkimage may be displayed to the payer alongside check servicescorresponding to an extension of the suspension, a permanent stop or anapproval of the payment amount.

The computer may be configured to determine a default status indicatorbased on the plurality of segments extracted from a check image. Theplurality of segments extracted from the check image may includeinformation corresponding to one or more criteria associated with adefault check service. The criteria may be defined by the payer, payee,drawee bank, depositary bank or any suitable party.

The computer may be configured to determine an available check servicebased on a status indicator associated with a check. The statusindicator may be included in the issue file. For example, after atermination of a clearing process associated with a check, the computermay be configured to display a return payment indicator adjacent to thecheck image. The return payment may indicate that the payer may recoverfunds paid on the check. The payer may recover the funds after the fundshave been withdrawn from an account of the payer. The payer may recoverthe funds after the funds have been transferred to an account of thepayee. A financial institution, such as a drawee bank, may charge a feeto provide a return payment service to a payer. The return paymentservice may be limited by a dollar amount or a frequency of userestriction.

The computer may be configured to filter the plurality of check images.The computer may filter the check images in response to a query receivedfrom the payer. The plurality of images may be filtered based on: aplurality of data segments applied to each exception, a check serviceapplied to each exception and/or an expiration time associated with anapplied check service. One or more check images that include thecriteria listed in the query may be transmitted via email or othermethods of communication.

For example, an exception may be one of a plurality of exceptions. Thecomputer may be configured to filter check image corresponding to theplurality of exceptions. In response to a query received from the payer,the computer may be configured to transmit a subset of the plurality ofexceptions to the payer. The subset of the plurality of exceptions maybe displayed to the payer using a carousel view.

The computer may be configured to transmit a status indicator to thepayer. The status indicator may correspond to a reconciliation status.The reconciliation status may correspond to an ability of the payer toapprove or return a payment. For example, the ability of the payer toreturn a payment may depend on the payer making a return decision withina time period set by a drawee bank. The status indicator may include anexpiration time associated with a check service.

Apparatus may include a check processing system. The check processingsystem may include a scanner. The scanner may be configured to generatedigital information corresponding to a paper check. The digitalinformation may include one or more segments extracted from the papercheck.

The check processing system may include a processor. The processor maybe configured to execute machine readable instructions. The checkprocessing system may include a non-transitory machine readable memorystoring the machine readable instructions. The instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, may configure a computer system to performone or more tasks. The computer system may be configured to extract oneor more segments from a digital image of a paper check. The extractedsegments may include: a payer, a date, a payment amount, a payee or anysuitable segment shown above in Table 2.

The computer system may suspend a clearing process of the paymentamount. The computer may suspend the clearing process in response toreceipt of the digital image. Suspending the clearing process maytemporarily prevent a withdrawal of the payment amount from an accountof the payer. If a master ledger includes the payer, the date, thepayment amount and the payee, the computer may be configured to resumethe clearing process. A presence in the master ledger of the payer, thedate, the payment amount and the payee may indicate that the payer hasauthorized the paper check.

The master ledger may include data received from the payer. The masterledger may include data received from a vendor authorized to issue paperchecks in the name of the payer. The vendor may be a bill-pay vendor.

If the master ledger does not include the payer, the date, the paymentamount and the payee, the computer system may be configured to flag thedigital image as an exception. An exception may correspond to areconciliation error. The computer system may be configured to apply afirst check service option to the exception. The first check service maybe a stop or any suitable check service shown above in Table 1.

The computer system may be configured to present to a payer: the digitalimage, an expiration time associated with the first check service optionand a second check service option. The expiration time may correspond toa time when a stop applied to the exception expires. The expiration timemay correspond to a time when a default check service set by the payeris scheduled to expire. The second check service option may correspondto a stop override such as an approval or any suitable check serviceshown above in Table 1.

The expiration time may be a first expiration time. In response to apayer selection of the second check service option, the computer systemmay be configured to present to the payer: the digital image and asecond expiration time associated with the second check service option.

The computer system may be configured to select the first check serviceoption based on one or more segments extracted from the digital image.The computer system may be configured to select the second check serviceoption based on the first check service option and the expiration timeassociated with the first check service option.

The first check service may correspond to a stop payment. The expirationtime may correspond to a reconciliation window. The reconciliationwindow may be time period during which if no action is taken by thepayer, the drawee bank may apply a default check service. The defaultcheck service may correspond to a stop or any suitable check serviceshown above in Table 1. The reconciliation window may begin upondetection of a reconciliation error.

The computer system may be configured to transmit a status notificationinforming the payer of an expiration of the stop payment. The statusnotification may be transmitted to the payer periodically, preferablyprior to an expiration of a reconciliation window.

Methods for check processing are provided. Methods may include receivingdigital information corresponding to a paper check. The digitalinformation may include a digital image. The methods may includeextracting segments from the digital image. The segments may include apayer, a date, a payment amount, a payee or any suitable informationshown above in Table 2.

Based on at least two of the segments, the methods may includesuspending a clearing process associated with the paper check. If amaster ledger includes an entry corresponding to the payer, the date,the payment amount and the payee, the methods may include resuming theclearing process. If the master ledger does not include the payer, thedate, the payment amount and the payee, the methods may include flaggingthe digital image as an exception.

The methods may include, presenting, preferably prior to an expirationtime, to the payer: the digital image, the expiration time and a checkservice option. The check service option may include any suitable checkservice such as those shown above in Table 1. The expiration time maycorrespond to a time when the clearing process is expected to resumewith respect to a check. The expiration time may correspond to a timewhen the clearing process is expected to terminate with respect to acheck.

The methods may include, prior to an end of the expiration time,receiving an instruction from the payer to resume a clearing processassociated with the exception. The methods may include, preferably priorto an end of the expiration time, receiving an instruction from thepayer to terminate a clearing process associated with the exception.Methods may include extending the expiration time in response to aninstruction from the payer.

In response to receiving an instruction from the payer, the methods mayinclude adjusting an entry in a master ledger. The adjustment mayinclude updating a status of the entry in the master ledger. In responseto receiving the instruction from the payer, the methods may includeremoving an exception flag associated with a digital image.

Illustrative embodiments of apparatus and methods in accordance with theprinciples of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and structural, functional andprocedural modifications may be made without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a computing device 101(alternatively referred to herein as a “server” and “computer”) that maybe used according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Thecomputer server 101 may have a processor 103 for controlling overalloperation of the server and its associated components, including RAM105, ROM 107, input/output (“I/O”) module 109, and memory 115.

I/O module 109 may include a microphone, keypad, touch screen and/orstylus through which a user of device 101 may provide input, and mayalso include one or more of a speaker for providing audio output and avideo display device for providing textual, audiovisual and/or graphicaloutput. Software may be stored within memory 115 and/or other storage(not shown) to provide instructions to processor 103 for enabling server101 to perform various functions. For example, memory 115 may storesoftware used by server 101, such as an operating system 117,application programs 119, and an associated database 111. Alternatively,some or all of server 101 computer executable instructions may beembodied in hardware or firmware (not shown).

Server 101 may operate in a networked environment supporting connectionsto one or more remote computers, such as terminals 141 and 151.Terminals 141 and 151 may be personal computers or servers that includemany or all of the elements described above relative to server 101. Thenetwork connections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network(LAN) 125 and a wide area network (WAN) 129, but may also include othernetworks. When used in a LAN networking environment, computer 101 isconnected to LAN 125 through a network interface or adapter 113. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, server 101 may include a modem 127or other means for establishing communications over WAN 129, such asInternet 131.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areillustrative and other means of establishing a communications linkbetween the computers may be used. The existence of any of variouswell-known protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like ispresumed, and the system can be operated in a client-serverconfiguration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-basedserver. Any of various conventional web browsers can be used to displayand manipulate data on web pages.

Additionally, application program 119, which may be used by server 101,may include computer executable instructions for invoking userfunctionality related to communication, such as email, short messageservice (SMS), and voice input and speech recognition applications.

Computing device 101 and/or terminals 141 or 151 may also be mobileterminals including various other components, such as a battery,speaker, and antennas (not shown). Terminal 151 and/or terminal 141 maybe portable devices such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone or any othersuitable device for storing, transmitting and/or transporting relevantinformation.

Any information described above in connection with database 111, and anyother suitable information, may be stored in memory 115. One or more ofapplications 119 may include one or more algorithms that may be usedreceive digital images, generate a carousel view of the images, processqueries, return search results, transmit notifications and/or any othersuitable tasks.

FIG. 2 shows illustrative process 200. For the sake of illustration, oneor more of the steps of the process illustrated in FIG. 2 will bedescribed as being performed by a “system.” The “system” may include oneor more of the features of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and/or anyother suitable device or approach. The “system” may be provided by anentity. The entity may be an individual, an organization or any othersuitable entity.

At step 202, a payer issues a paper check to payee. At step 203, thepayee deposits the paper check. At step 208, the system generates adigital image of the paper check. At step 208, the system embeds anapproval indicator and a disapproval indicator into the digital image.In some embodiments the approval/disapproval indicator may be displayedadjacent to the image. In some embodiments, the approval/disapprovalindicators may be displayed substantially simultaneously with thedigital image.

At step 210, the system displays the digital image andapproval/disapproval indicator to the payer. In some embodiments, atstep 212, in response to a selection of the approval indicator, thesystem transfers funds from an account of the payer to an account of thepayee. The funds may correspond to an amount recorded in the digitalimage. The funds may correspond to an amount extracted from the digitalimage.

At step 214, in response to a selection of the disapproval indicator,the system rejects the deposit of the payee and maintains fundscorresponding to an amount indicated on the deposit in the account ofthe payer. The amount indicated on the deposit may correspond to anamount recorded in the digital image. The amount indicated on thedeposit may correspond to an amount extracted from the digital image.

At step 216, the system applies a watermark to the digital image. Thewatermark corresponds to the approval/disapproval selection. Thewatermarked image may be displayed in response to a request or inputfrom a user of the system.

In some embodiments, at a time a digital image is displayed to thepayer, a payment has already been made to the payee. At step 213, inresponse to a selection of the approval indicator, the system mayterminate an ability of the payer to initiate a claw-back or return ofthe payment made to the payee. At step 215, in response to a selectionof the disapproval indicator, the system may claw-back or return to thepayer the payment made to the payee. The payer may be able to select thedisapproval indicator within a specified time window. The time windowmay be between 12 and 24 from a time the payment was made to the payee.

FIG. 3 shows illustrative view 300. View 300 shows that checks 305 maybe presented in a carousel view. Each of checks 305 may includedifferent information recorded thereon. A viewer of checks 305 may usepointer 307 to rotate checks 305 about axis Z. In some embodiments,checks 305 may be presented on a touch sensitive screen. A viewer may“swipe” to rotate among checks 305. Checks 305 may be rotatedcounterclockwise about axis Z, as shown by arrow 301. Checks 305 may berotated clockwise about axis Z, as shown by arrow 303.

When viewing checks 305, each of checks 305 may be presented withavailable check services that may be applied to the check. Illustrativecheck services are shown above in table 1.

FIG. 4 shows illustrative import file 400. Import file 400 may becreated by a payer. The payer may import a set of rules to be applied topayment information received by a treasury management system. Column 401lists check services selected by the payer. Each check service listed incolumn 401 may be associated with any of rows 403, 405, 407, and/or 409.For example, in column 401, import file 400 shows that the payer hasselected a “stop” to be applied to the payment corresponding to row 403.The stop, when applied, prevents payee XYZ Corp. from receiving apayment of 120,000.00 in U.S. dollars.

Column 413 shows an identifier associated with each of rows 403, 405,407, and 409. The identifier may correspond to a source of theinformation recorded in each row. For example, column 413 shows that row405 is assigned an identifier of “BP332.” “BP” may correspond to abill-pay vendor that has submitted payment information to a treasurymanagement system. “332” may be an identifier assigned by the treasurymanagement system. “332” may be a check number.

Import file 400 includes column 411. Column 411 shows an expiration timeassociated with a check service listed in column 401. For example,column 411 shows that a stop associated with row 403 expires after Apr.28, 2013. If a payee presents a request for payment listed in row 403after Apr. 28, 2013, the request may be granted.

As a further example, column 411 shows that there is no expiration timeassociated with a “pay” decision in row 409. Any time payee ASD, Inc.deposits check number 155, payment to payee ASD, Inc. of 23,000.00 inCanadian dollars may be fulfilled.

When a check is received that corresponds to a row in import file 400,the check service listed in column 401 is applied to the check. In someembodiments, if import file 400 includes an entry corresponding to acheck, the check or a digital image of the check may not be presented tothe payer for further consideration.

Import file 400 includes columns 415, 417, 419, 421 and 423. Column 415shows a date. The date may be a date indicated on a check deposited by apayee listed in column 417. The date may be extracted from a digitalimage of the deposited check. Column 419 shows an amount indicated on acheck deposited by a payee listed in in column 417. The amount may beextracted from a digital image of the deposited check. The amount may beidentified based on deciphering a handwritten or printed entry on thedeposited check.

Column 421 shows a currency associated with the amount in column 419.The currency may be indicated on the check. Column 423 shows an accountnumber indicated on a deposited check. The account number may beidentified based on MICR data printed on the check.

FIG. 5A shows illustrative information 500. Information 500 includesdigital check image 509. Digital check image 509 may be generated basedon a check deposited by a payee. The check may have been issued by abill-pay vendor on behalf of a payer. The check may have been conveyeddirectly from the payer to the payee.

Digital check image 509 may be presented to a payer along withillustrative options 503, 505 and 507. Selecting option 503 correspondsto the payer approving payment of the amount included in the digitalimage. Selecting option 505 corresponds to the payer temporarilywithholding payment of the amount included in the digital image. The“hold” may be defined by an expiration time. After the expiration time,a default check service may be applied to the payment requestcorresponding to digital image 509. Selection of option 507 correspondsto a rejection of the payment request corresponding to digital image509.

Options 503, 505 and 507 may be presented to a payer when the payerselects one of checks 305 using pointer 307 (shown in FIG. 3). In someembodiments, options 503, 505 and 507 may be presented adjacent to eachof checks 305 (shown in FIG. 3).

FIG. 5B shows illustrative information 501. Illustrative information 501shows a “stop” watermark applied to digital image 511. The stopwatermark may be applied to digital image 511 after a payer selectsoption 507 (shown in FIG. 5A). The stop watermark may be applied to atleast one of checks 305 (shown in FIG. 3). The stop watermark may bevisible on at least one of checks 305 when the payer selects one ofchecks 305 using pointer 307 (shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, awatermark applied to one of checks 305 may be visible regardless of arotational location of the watermarked check about axis Z.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative digital front image 600 of an exemplarycheck. Front image 600 may include one or more field or segments. Eachof the one or more segments may be completed by a handwritten entry.Each of the one or more segments may be completed by a printed entry.Handwriting may include cursive or script information written by hand orprinted by machine. Printed character text may be block-style lettersthat are written by hand or printed by machine.

For example, a check issued by an individual payer may be completed byhandwriting. A check issued by an institutional or commercial payer maybe printed. A check may include a mix of printed and handwrittensegments. For example, a check issued by a commercial entity may includeprinted MICR data and a handwritten signature.

Each segment of image 600 may correspond to information that may beincluded on the front of a check. In FIG. 6, a segment may be identifiedby rectangular boxes. For example, image 600 may include one or more ofpayer name segment 602, payer address 1 segment 604, payer address 2segment 606, check number segment 608, date segment 610, payee segment612, amount segment 614, dollars segment 616, comment segment 618, payersignature segment 620, routing number segment 622, account number field624, check number field 626 and any other suitable segments.

Image 600 may include one or more segment identifiers. Each segmentidentifier may correspond to a type of information that is displayed onthe check to identify a check segment. For example, check image 600 mayinclude one or more of “check number” segment identifier 628, “date”segment identifier 630, “pay-to-the-order-of” segment identifier 632,“dollars” segment identifier 634, “memo” field identifier 636, draweebank 645 and any other suitable segment identifiers. A drawee bank maybe identified based on segment 645. Segment 645 may be a logo associatedwith a drawee bank. Segment 645 may include text associated with adrawee bank. Segment 645 may include address or name informationassociated with a drawee bank.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative digital back image 700 of an illustrativecheck. Back image 700 may include one or more segments. Each segment maycorrespond to a type of information that is included on the back of acheck. In FIG. 7, segments are identified by rectangular boxes. Forexample, back image 700 may include payee endorsement segment 702 andany other suitable segments.

Back image 700 may include one or more segment identifiers. Each segmentidentifier may correspond to a type of information that is displayed onthe check to identify a check segment. For example, check image 700 mayinclude “endorse-here” segment identifier 704 and any other suitablesegment identifiers.

FIG. 8 shows illustrative ledger entry 800. Ledger entry 800 may begenerated based on images 600 (shown in FIG. 6) and 700 (shown in FIG.7). The ledger entry may include information extracted from digitalimages 600 and 700. The ledger entry may include information obtaineddirectly from a tangible or “hard copy” of a check. Ledger entry 800 mayinclude one or more fields such as check number 802, account identifier804, payee 806, payee family 808, check date 810, check amount 812,dollars 814, comment 816, comment family 818, signature 820, scanlocation 822 and machine readable identifier 823. Machine readableidentifier 823 may include bar coded information.

Each of the fields may correspond to a segment of a check. The check mayinclude one or more segment identifiers that correspond to the field.For example, the segment identifiers may include “DATE,” “PAY TO THEORDER OF,” “DOLLARS,” “MEMO” and any other suitable identifiers.

Information included in columns 413-423 of import file 400 (shown inFIG. 4) may be generated based on information extracted from images 600and 700. Information included in an issue file (not shown) may begenerated based on information extracted from images 600 and 700.

Table 3 shows illustrative ledger entry fields, illustrativecorresponding check segments and illustrative corresponding segmentidentifiers.

TABLE 3 Illustrative ledger entry fields, illustrative correspondingcheck segments and illustrative corresponding segment identifiers.Illustrative Illustrative corresponding ledger entry form segment fields(FIG. 8 Illustrative corresponding identifiers (FIGS. reference checksegments (FIG. 6 6 or 7 reference numeral) reference numeral) numerals)Check number (802) Check number segment (608) CHECK NO. (628) Checknumber segment (626) Account identifier Customer name segment (804)(602) Customer address 1 segment (604) Customer address 2 segment (606)Routing number segment (622) Account number segment (624) Payee (806)Payee segment (612) PAY TO THE ORDER OF (632) Payee endorsement segmentENDORSE HERE (702) (704) Payee family (808) Payee segment (612) PAY TOTHE ORDER OF (632) Check date (810) Date segment (610) DATE (630) Checkamount (812) Amount segment (614) Dollars (814) Dollars segment (616)DOLLARS (634) Comment (816) Comment segment (618) MEMO (636) Commentfamily Comment segment (618) MEMO (636) (818) Signature (820) Signaturesegment (620) Bar Code (823) Bar Code segment (643)

The generating of the ledger entry may include extracting informationfrom the digital image. The extracted information may include a payer'ssignature on the check.

An illustrative method for extracting information from digital image 600(shown in FIG. 6) may include identifying an origin “O” of the frontimage 600. Origin “O” may be identified as a location on check image 600from which to quantify the relative locations of the segments. Forexample, origin O may be coincident with the lower left corner of acheck upon which check image 600 is based. Axis “x” may run along anedge of the check. For example, axis x may run along the lower edge ofthe check. Axis “y” may be orthogonal to axis x and may run along anedge of the check. For example, axis y may run along the side edge ofthe check. Locations of each of the segments may be quantified bycoordinates based on the x- and y-axes.

For example, the location of a rectangular segment may be quantified asthe coordinates of four corners of a rectangle. Any other suitablescheme for quantifying segment locations may be used.

Generating the ledger entry may include generating text data. The textdata may be generated based on information extracted from the digitalimage. The text data may be generated based on a handwritten segment ofthe check. The text data may be generated based on information printedon the check.

Generating the ledger entry may include converting a signature from ahandwritten entry into text. The converting may be performed by aprocessor. The processor may be further configured to run an applicationthat translates content of a segment from handwriting to estimated blocktext. The application may be any suitable application.

For example, the application may be an application such as thatavailable under the trademark PARASCRIPT® from Parascript, LLC,Longmont, Colo. The application may pre-process the segment content byapplying one or more mathematical filters to the segment content. Thefilter may include, for example, tools for line detection, edgedetection, curve detection, shape detection, contrast adjustment,feature density (such as the amount of “ink” pixels per unit area offield or per unit length of a horizontal or vertical axis of the field),feature density distribution (such as the amount of “ink” pixels perunit area as a function of location in the field), topologicalquantification (such as the number, size, distribution and perimeter perunit area of closed forms in the content) and any other suitable tools.

For example, the text data may include a numerical identifier of thecheck. The numerical identifier may be the check number. The numericalidentifier may include segment 608 (shown in FIG. 6). The text data mayinclude the amount. The amount may correspond to numbers handwritten bythe payer in field 614. The amount may correspond to words handwrittenby the payer within segment 616.

The text data may include a drawee bank name. The drawee may beidentified based on segment 645. Segment 645 may be a logo associatedwith a drawee. Segment 645 may include text associated with a drawee.Segment 645 may include address or name information associated with adrawee.

The text data may include an account number on the check. The accountnumber may correspond to MICR data 641 printed on a check. Segment 641may include a routing number 622. Segment 641 may include an accountnumber 624.

The text data may include a payee. The payee may be identified based oninformation entered into segment 632. The text data may include anysuitable information.

The processing of the digital image may be performed at a time the checkis presented for deposit. The processing of the digital image may beperformed by the depositary bank. The processing may be distributedamong various machines and occur at various times and locations.

For example, at different times throughout a day, payees may presentchecks to a depositary bank for deposit. Each of the payees may utilizedifferent depositary bank locations to present the checks for deposit.The depositary bank may process each check at a time the check ispresented for deposit. The distribution of times and locations mayalleviate a computing burden of processing digital images at a centrallocation. The distribution of times and locations may alleviate acomputing burden of processing digital images at a designated time.

Distributed processing of the digital image may allow a drawee bank toconduct a fraud analysis based on the ledger entry. The drawee bank mayconduct a fraud analysis when the check is presented for deposit. Thedrawee bank may provide a fraud indicator to the payee and/or depositarybank at the time the check is presented for deposit.

The drawee bank may specify fields for inclusion in the ledger entry.For example, the drawee bank may specify that, for checks deposited in aparticular area code, the ledger entry may only include the followingcheck segments: MICR data, the payer's signature and the amount on thecheck. In other locales, the drawee bank may request that the ledgerentry include information from one or more segments of a check.

FIG. 9 shows issue file 900. Issue file 900 may include statusinformation on checks listed in import file 400 (shown in FIG. 4). Incolumn 917, issue file 900 may provide access to images 600 (shown inFIG. 6) and 700 (shown in FIG. 7).

Issue file 900 includes status column 901. Status column 901 may show acurrent status of a payment. A payer may select a row displayed in issuefile 900 and edit status column 901. When editing status column 901, thepayer may select an available check service for the payment displayed inthe row.

Issue file 900 includes column 903. Column 903 shows an identifierassociated with each row of issue file 900. The identifier listed incolumn 903 may be extracted from a digital image of a check. Theidentifier listed in column 903 may be assigned by a drawee bank. Forexample, a drawee bank may assign identifier that includes “BP” tochecks issued by a bill-vendor on behalf of a payer.

Issue file 900 includes column 905. Column 905 lists an issuerassociated with a check. For example, column 905 shows that a “P” of“BP” has issued checks on behalf of a payer. “P” may correspond to checkissued directly by the payer and “BP” may correspond to check issued bya bill-pay vendor on behalf of the payer.

Issue file 900 may include information extracted from images 600 and700. Columns 907, 909 911, 913 and 915 may be based on informationextracted from a digital image of a check.

FIG. 10 shows illustrative check clearing process 1000. A checkdeposited by payee 1011 may be subject to check clearing process 1000.For the sake of illustration, one or more of the steps of the processillustrated in FIG. 10 will be described as being performed by a“system.” The “system” may include one or more of the features of theapparatus, arrangements or processes shown in FIGS. 1-9 and/or any othersuitable device or approach. The “system” may be provided by an entity.The entity may be an individual, an organization or any other suitableentity.

Process 1000 may include participants such as a payer 1013, drawee bank1003, payee 1011 and depositary bank 1001.

Payer 1013 may issue a check to payee 1011. The check may include anorder issued by payer 1013. The order may direct drawee bank 1003 to payan amount, the amount indicated on the check, to payee 1011.

Payee 1011 may deposit the check. Payee 1011 may deposit the check atself-service kiosk 1009. Self-service kiosk 1009 may be an ATM. Payee1011 may request that depositary bank 1001 credit an account of thepayee based on the deposit of the check. Self-service kiosk 1009 may beassociated with drawee bank 1003. Self-service kiosk 1009 may beassociated with depositary bank 1001. Self-service kiosk 1009 may beassociated with a financial institution that is neither drawee bank 1003nor depositary bank 1001.

Self-service kiosk 1009 may be configured to generate digital image 1007of the check. Self-service kiosk 1009 may be configured to generatetransaction record 1019. Transaction record 1019 may include one or morefeatures of ledger entry 800 (shown in FIG. 8) or issue file 900 (shownin FIG. 9). Transaction record 1019 may be generated based oninformation extracted from digital image 1007. Digital image 1007 andtransaction record 1019 may be generated by self-service kiosk 1009 ordepositary bank 1001.

Depositary bank 1001 may transmit digital image 1007 to drawee bank 1003using path 1029. Drawee bank 1003 may securely store digital image 1007.

Transaction record 1019 may be transmitted to drawee bank 1003.Self-service kiosk 1009 may transmit image 1007 to drawee bank 1003.Drawee bank 1003 may be identified based on MICR data on the check.Drawee bank 1003 may be identified based on any suitable informationextracted from digital image 1007, such as logo 645 (shown in FIG. 6).Drawee bank 1003 may securely store transaction record 1019.

Drawee bank 1003 may conduct a fraud detection analysis based ontransaction record 1019. The fraud analysis may include comparing one ormore fields of transaction record 1019 to financial information known oraccessible to drawee bank 1003. The financial information known oraccessible to drawee bank 1003 may include one or more fields of aledger entry maintained by drawee bank 1003. The ledger entry mayinclude one or more features of ledger entry 800 (shown in FIG. 8) andmay list checks issued by or on behalf of payer 1013. An issue file suchas issue file 900 (shown in FIG. 9) may be generated based on the fraudanalysis.

Drawee bank 1003 may transmit fraud indicator 1017 to payer 1013 viastatus update 1025. Based on the fraud indicator, payer 1013 may rejectthe deposit submitted by payee 1011. Path 1027 represents drawee bank1003 rejecting a deposit submitted by payee 1011.

Fraud indicator 1017 may be transmitted to depositary bank 1001 or payee1011. Fraud indicator 1017 may be transmitted to payee 1011 before payee1011 ends a session at self-service kiosk 1009.

Based on fraud indicator 1017, drawee bank 1003 may transfer funds 1005to depositary bank 1001. The amount of funds 1005 may correspond to anamount extracted from digital image 1007.

In response to an acceptance of a deposit submitted by payee 1011,drawee bank 1003 may transfer funds 1005 to depositary bank 1001. Inresponse to an acceptance or rejection of a deposit submitted by payee1011, drawee bank 1003 may transmit status update 1025 to payer 1013.Status update 1025 may be presented to payer 1013 via issue file 900(shown in FIG. 9).

Status update 1025 may inform payer 1013 that a default action has beenapplied to the deposit submitted by payee 1011. Status update 1025 mayinform payer 1013 that funds have been withdrawn from an account atdrawee bank 1003 to cover the deposit of payee 1011.

In some embodiments, payer 1013 may be offered a claw-back or returnpayment service. Using the claw-back or return payment service, payer1013 may recover funds transferred to an account of payee 1011 atdepositary bank 1001. The claw-back service may utilize path 1021. Payer1013 may trigger the claw-back service in response to viewing an imageavailable via issue file 900 (shown in FIG. 9).

In response to a successful deposit and crediting of an account of payee1011 at depositary bank 1001, deposit notice 1023 may be transmitted topayee 1011. Deposit notice 1023 may inform payee 1011 if payer 1013 hasaccess to a claw-back or return payment service.

The invention may be operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well-known computing systems, environments and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, tablets, mobile phones and/or other personal digitalassistants (“PDAs”), multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-basedsystems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environmentsthat include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

The invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer storage media including memory storage devices.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the inventiondescribed herein may be embodied in whole or in part as a method, a dataprocessing system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, theinvention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software,hardware and any other suitable approach or apparatus.

Furthermore, such aspects may take the form of a computer programproduct stored by one or more computer-readable storage media havingcomputer-readable program code, or instructions, embodied in or on thestorage media. Any suitable computer readable storage media may beutilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices,magnetic storage devices, and/or any combination thereof. In addition,various signals representing data or events as described herein may betransferred between a source and a destination in the form ofelectromagnetic waves traveling through signal-conducting media such asmetal wires, optical fibers, and/or wireless transmission media (e.g.,air and/or space).

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps shownand described herein may be performed in other than the recited orderand that one or more steps illustrated may be optional. The methods ofthe above-referenced embodiments may involve the use of any suitableelements, steps, computer-executable instructions, or computer-readabledata structures. In this regard, other embodiments are disclosed hereinas well that can be partially or wholly implemented on acomputer-readable medium, for example, by storing computer-executableinstructions or modules or by utilizing computer-readable datastructures.

Thus, systems and methods for digital image shifting have been provided.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present inventioncan be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which arepresented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation. Thepresent invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A treasury management system comprising: aprocessor; a non-transitory computer readable media storing instructionsthat when executed by the processor configure a computer to: generate acheck image based on a paper check; decompose the check image into aplurality of fields; based on applying a vetting routine to theplurality of fields, mark the check image as an exception; display to apayer: the check image; the mark associated with the check image; anapproval indicator adjacent to the check image; and a disapprovalindicator adjacent to the check image; in response to a selection of theapproval indicator, confirm a withdrawal of funds from an account of thepayer; and in response to a selection of the disapproval indicator,initiate a transfer of funds from an account of the payee to the accountof the payer.
 2. The treasury management system of claim 1 wherein whenthe check image is one of a plurality of check images, thenon-transitory computer readable medium comprises instructions that whenexecuted by the processor configure the computer to: decompose eachcheck image into the plurality of fields; based on applying the vettingroutine to the plurality of fields, mark a subset of the plurality ofcheck images as exceptions; display to the payer in a first position: afirst member of the subset; the approval indicator; and the disapprovalindicator; in response to a selection of the approval indicator or thedisapproval indicator: shift the first member of the subset into asecond position; and display to the payer a second member of the subsetin the first position.
 3. The treasury management system of claim 2,wherein the first position and the second position correspond to acarousel view of the first member of the subset and the second member ofthe subset.
 4. The treasury management system of claim 2 wherein, thenon-transitory computer readable medium comprises instructions that whenexecuted by the processor configure the computer to reduce a number ofmembers in the subset in response to a selection, by the payer, of theapproval indicator or the disapproval indicator.
 5. The treasurymanagement system of claim 1, the non-transitory computer readablemedium comprising instructions that when executed by the processorconfigure the computer to display adjacent to the check image a statusindicator showing time remaining for the payer to select the approvalindicator or the disapproval indicator.
 6. The treasury managementsystem of claim 5 wherein the non-transitory computer readable mediumcomprising instructions that when executed by the processor configurethe computer to adjust a color of the status indicator based on the timeremaining.
 7. A treasury management system comprising: a processor; anda non-transitory computer readable media storing instructions that whenexecuted by the processor configure a computer to: generate an issuefile, the issue file comprising a plurality of payments and a checkservice associated with each payment; receive a plurality of checkimages corresponding to one or more of the plurality of payments; andfor each of the plurality of check images: if the check imagecorresponds to one of the plurality of payments, display to the payer,in a first carousel view: the check image; and the check serviceassociated with the payment; and if the check image does not correspondto one of the plurality of payments, display to the payer in in a secondcarousel view: the check image; and time remaining to return the paymentcorresponding to the check image.
 8. The treasury system of claim 7wherein the non-transitory computer readable media stores instructionsthat when executed by the processor configure the computer to adjust acolor indicator displayed to the payer in response to a change in thetime remaining to return the payment.
 9. The treasury system of claim 7wherein the check service corresponds to a stop payment.
 10. Thetreasury management system of claim 7, wherein the non-transitorycomputer readable media stores instructions that when executed by theprocessor configure the computer to display adjacent to each check imagein the second carousel view: a pay indicator; and a return indicator;wherein a selection by the payee of the pay indicator or the returnindicator moves the check image to the first carousel view.
 11. Thetreasury management system of claim 7, wherein the non-transitorycomputer readable media stores instructions that when executed by theprocessor configures the computer to, after expiration of the timeremaining, apply a default check service to each check image in thesecond carousel view.
 12. A method of electronically transferring fundsin response to a deposit of a check, the method comprising: in responseto the deposit of the check by a payee, receiving a digital image of thecheck; displaying to a payer in a carousel view: an approval indicatorpositioned adjacent to the digital image; and a disapproval indicatorpositioned adjacent to the digital image; in response to a selection ofthe approval indicator, confirming an electronic transfer of a paymentamount from an account of the payer to an account of the payee; and inresponse to a selection of the disapproval indicator, confirming receiptof disapproval instructions from the payer and electronicallytransferring the payment amount to the account of the payer from theaccount of the payee.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, inresponse to receiving the digital image, setting a time-period for anexpiration of the displaying of the approval indicator and thedisapproval indicator.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising,when the time-period is a first time-period, in response to receivingthe digital image, setting a second time-period for an expiration of thedisplaying of the carousel view.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein, thesecond time-period is longer than the first time-period.
 16. The methodof claim 12 wherein when the check is a first check and the digitalimage is a first digital image, the carousel view comprises: displayingthe first digital image to the payer in a first position; positioning asecond digital image in a second position; and upon receipt of a payerinstruction, shifting the second digital image into the first position.17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: positioning a thirddigital image in a third position; and upon receipt of the payerinstruction, shifting the third image into the first position.
 18. Themethod of claim 16 further comprising: applying a watermark to the firstdigital image in response to the selection of the approval indicator orthe selection of the disapproval indicator; and displaying the watermarkwhen the first digital image is in the first position.
 19. The method ofclaim 16 the shifting comprising horizontally scrolling from the firstimage to the second image.